The best MTB trails around Carmões

Using only the natural power of the wind as the driving force, the heavy millstones are moved, and for example, grain kernels are ground into flour (grain mills) or olives are pressed into oil (oil mills). Miguel de Cervantes (1547 to 1616) also created a literary monument to the ancient tradition of windmills: the most famous character of the author, considered Spain's national poet, whose work can certainly be appreciated as world literature: "Don Quixote," also known as the "Knight of the Sorrowful Countenance." He is always accompanied by his loyal squire Sancho Panza, and in one of the highly imaginatively narrated episodes, he engages in a – naturally hopeless – battle against windmills, in which he believes he recognizes four-armed giants.

A swinger with a nice view. Ideal for a well deserved break after a steep and long climb (for those coming from the South)

Pleasant place with some facilities such as benches, tables, barbecue and excellent views from the nearby lookout post.

The "Moinho de Avis" is not only a beautiful sight, the miller, Senhor Miguel Nobre, is using the mill for what it was built for: milling flour! Miguel Nobre was originally a cabinet maker, then specialized in restoring windmills all over Portugal. When he came into possession of the Moinho de Avis (and the one next to it) he was determined to bring it back to life and use it. The milling stones never came in contact with pesticides as the mill had fallen into disrepair before these chemicals were used. He was determined to keep it like this. He is growing and milling mainly ancient Portuguese grains (Preto-Amarello, Barbela and Aveia Selvagem). Following a recipe from his Grandfather he is mixing these grains for his "Mistura de Avó" (Grandfather Mixture). When I visited the last time (May 2024) he was super happy because his "Mistura de Avó" had just been declared national heritage by the United Nations. The mill is usually open for visitors on the weekends.

The Lines of Torres Vedras are 152 defensive fortifications, built between 1809 and 1812 near Lisbon, which prevented the French advance in the Peninsular War. The Forte do Moinho Branco (or Sinais) is one of these buildings.

Built in 1810 and last restored in 2008, Moinho de Avis is the largest windmill in Portugal. It is found in Serra do Montejunto, which has a large number of windmills.

Quiet place with lots of shade, great for regaining strength. A few meters from this place, the Olhos D'agua Trail begins, always going down to the town of Ota. The final part of the trail runs along the right bank of the Ota River.

Interesting trail, which passes right next to several windmills, some of them recovered. The trail has small sections with very steep slopes, so the easiest way to do it is downhill, that is, towards Serra de Montejunto, Vila Verde dos Francos. For those who are in Vila Verde dos Francos, it is preferable to go up the Estrada de Montejunto (N-115) to the sign that says Caminho dos Moinhos, and then turn right.